Committee advances property tax bill

TRENTON — Beleaguered New Jersey property taxpayers will find it easier to apply for homestead property tax rebates under a bill sponsored by Assemblymen John DiMaio and Parker Space.

The bill was approved by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee today by a 5-0 vote.

“In the state with the highest property taxes in the nation, taxpayers need a break,” said DiMaio (R-Warren). “The homestead reimbursement provides some relief, but the application process is unwieldy. It is confusing, and taxpayers are discouraged from applying. This bill removes the burden from taxpayers and assigns the heavy lifting to the state.”

The measure requires a feasibility study of a centralized property tax information system. The state will verify taxes paid on any property and determine eligibility for reimbursement through the homestead program.

“There is no reason to make homeowners jump through hoops to find out if they qualify for relief from the state’s egregious property taxes,” said Space (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Technology will streamline the process for property owners and more New Jerseyans will benefit from the program.”